Book Review | 'Modi's North East Story': Mainstreaming India's rising sun 

The northeast of India is like a beautiful painting created by nature. It is a land blessed with an abundance of breathtaking landscapes, from the majestic Brahmaputra River to the pristine Kaziranga National Park, the towering Kanchenjunga peak, the enchanting Loktak Lake, and the ingenious Living Root Bridge. It’s as if nature itself took extra care and time to plan and sculpt this picturesque part of the country. Spanning eight states, the North East showcases an incredible diversity of terrains. Arunachal Pradesh has snowy mountains, lush plains in Assam, and captivating plateaus in Meghalaya. It’s a perfect place for nature lovers and those seeking adventure.

However, despite its stunning beauty, the North East has faced challenges throughout history. To start with, the states in the northeast faced the impact of the 1962 war between India and China, and for those born after the 1950s who may not have a personal connection to the region, their memories are often tainted by the persistent reports of unrest and insurgency. Issues like the Bodo, Mizo, and Naga insurgencies have created a complex story, contrasting the breathtaking landscapes. Somewhere down the line, the North East experienced a disconnect from the rest of India due to these persistent issues.

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There were efforts to bridge the gap between the North East and other parts of India during the NDA government led by the BJP under PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, but the real change in narrative for the North East began to shift around 2014, when the region broke free from its confined space in general knowledge books to become a topic of mainstream discussion. There was a time when development initiatives hesitated to extend beyond the challenging “chicken-neck” region. However, in recent times, these projects have boldly ventured into previously untouched areas like the Lushai Hills and Tripura, marking a significant expansion in developmental efforts.

But what changed? The answer to this has been captured beautifully by the book—Modi’s North East Story. It’s a collection of essays edited by Tuhin A Sinha and Aditya Pittie, featuring contributions from important people like Chief Ministers Himanta Biswa Sarma and Pema Khandu, Union Minister Kiren Rijuju, and General VK Singh.

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At the beginning of the book, the editors make a point that while people talk about many things, the remarkable changes happening in our northeastern states often don’t get enough attention. They question previous governments, asking if it was the long distance that stopped them from visiting places like Maa Kamakhya’s land and understanding the challenges faced by the people there.

The editors rightly point out that both the Delhi-based political leaders and the media used to ignore the North East. Earlier policies seemed to focus on restricting the rights of people in that region. However, things have improved under PM Modi, who has visited the North East around sixty times.

The editors call it a “seeing is believing” approach, emphasising that Modi didn’t just manage things from a distance like his predecessors; he went to the region to witness the issues. His visits make headlines, bringing attention to the region and its problems. This increased visibility not only boosts tourism but also contributes to the overall development of the North East.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma sheds light on the pervasive drug issues that have plagued the region. In his words from the book, “When we assumed office, we had to shoulder the enormous task of eradicating the illegal international drug trade, which by this point had become a well-established network.” The strategy involved empowering the police and dismantling the drug supply chain.

Sarma also emphasises the restoration of rights to indigenous people, which were under threat due to the influx of refugees. When the previous governments were not ready to accept the fact that such an issue was there, the current union government and the Assam state government addressed these challenges, taking significant steps to safeguard the interests of the local population.

Across India, every region has its heroes who resonate with the people, and in Assam, the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of local hero Lachit Borphukan was celebrated with grandeur. Notably, the prime minister and home minister attended, adding a sense of pride among the Assamese. Such events not only honour the local heritage but also instill a deep sense of pride and connection among the people of Assam.

The book also shares a remarkable success story from the “land of the rising sun”, as narrated by Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu. He reflects on a personal observation from his time in Delhi during the mid-1990s for his graduation at Hindu College. Khandu notes, “When I came to Delhi, I was amazed by the vast difference between the two worlds that existed in Delhi and Arunachal Pradesh. While Delhi was full of opportunities, Arunachal was spending days in darkness, metaphorically and literally.”

However, fortunes took a positive turn when Khandu assumed leadership in 2016. Over seven years, the state witnessed a remarkable surge in installed capacity, marking a 213 percent increase from 405 MW in FY 2015–16 to an impressive 1,270 MW in FY 2022–23.

The recent inauguration of the 600 MW Kameng Hydro Power Project propelled Arunachal Pradesh to become the second power surplus state in the northeast region. This success story is particularly significant for a state that endured the brunt of the 1962 conflict and where electricity was once considered a luxury.

The book unfolds numerous success stories from the North East, including the empowering narratives of border villages shared by Union Minister Kiren Rijuju. The lack of infrastructure on the Indian side during the 1962 war was a significant factor in its outcome. While China had a well-established network of roads for seamless transportation around its borders, India lagged behind due to the previous political establishment’s failure to prioritise this crucial aspect of border security. The book adeptly explores how these issues, along with internal disturbances and inter-state border disputes, have been effectively managed, as articulated by Gen VK Singh.

In essence, the book serves as a significant addition to northeastern literature, potentially being the first of its kind to paint a positive picture of the region. “Modi’s North East Story” encapsulates the hope and aspirations of the 4.75 crore residents of the northeastern states. It highlights their growth, which was confined in the pre-2014 era due to the lack of political willpower from most central governments. The book stands as a testament to the transformative changes and positive developments brought about by the leadership of Prime Minister Modi in the region.

The author is a policy consultant with a deep interest in politics, history and international relations. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.